Pope declares that rejecting migrants is 'a grave sin'
The pontiff has emphasized the need to expand safe and regular pathways for migrants. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Mediterranean Sea has become a “cemetery,” according to Pope Francis, who emphasized the moral obligation to assist migrants attempting to reach Europe.
During his regular papal audience on Wednesday, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church highlighted the grim reality facing migrants on their journey, especially those navigating the Mediterranean route.
Referring to the Mediterranean Sea as Mare Nostrum—a term used by the ancient Romans—Francis stressed that it ought to serve as “a place of communication between peoples and civilizations” but has instead “become a cemetery.”
He condemned the thousands of preventable deaths in the region, criticizing those who work “systematically” to push migrants back. “And this, when done with conscience and responsibility, is a grave sin,” he declared, referencing the Bible, which states, “You shall not wrong or oppress a foreigner.”
The Pope also reminded that “God is there with [the migrants]” and “suffers with them” in their quest for a better life. He asserted that the West’s strategy of reinforcing borders is ineffective and proposed that true help comes from “expanding safe and regular pathways for migrants” and providing refuge for those escaping various adversities through a framework of “global governance of migration based on justice, fraternity and solidarity.”
The Mediterranean has long been recognized as one of the most perilous routes for migrants seeking entry to the EU, particularly for those fleeing conditions in Africa and the Middle East, including Syria and Libya. Many rely on overcrowded and unsafe boats to undertake the journey.
Since the EU migration crisis peaked in 2015, the situation has remained critical. The International Organization for Migration reports that in 2023, over 290,000 migrants and refugees arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean and the Western African-Atlantic route, marking a 55% increase from 2022. Tragically, at least 3,100 migrants lost their lives attempting the crossing this year.
Italy, one of the countries significantly affected by the migration crisis, has taken steps to address the situation. In September 2023, the right-wing government implemented measures allowing for the detention of migrants for up to 18 months and approved the establishment of new detention centers.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
During his regular papal audience on Wednesday, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church highlighted the grim reality facing migrants on their journey, especially those navigating the Mediterranean route.
Referring to the Mediterranean Sea as Mare Nostrum—a term used by the ancient Romans—Francis stressed that it ought to serve as “a place of communication between peoples and civilizations” but has instead “become a cemetery.”
He condemned the thousands of preventable deaths in the region, criticizing those who work “systematically” to push migrants back. “And this, when done with conscience and responsibility, is a grave sin,” he declared, referencing the Bible, which states, “You shall not wrong or oppress a foreigner.”
The Pope also reminded that “God is there with [the migrants]” and “suffers with them” in their quest for a better life. He asserted that the West’s strategy of reinforcing borders is ineffective and proposed that true help comes from “expanding safe and regular pathways for migrants” and providing refuge for those escaping various adversities through a framework of “global governance of migration based on justice, fraternity and solidarity.”
The Mediterranean has long been recognized as one of the most perilous routes for migrants seeking entry to the EU, particularly for those fleeing conditions in Africa and the Middle East, including Syria and Libya. Many rely on overcrowded and unsafe boats to undertake the journey.
Since the EU migration crisis peaked in 2015, the situation has remained critical. The International Organization for Migration reports that in 2023, over 290,000 migrants and refugees arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean and the Western African-Atlantic route, marking a 55% increase from 2022. Tragically, at least 3,100 migrants lost their lives attempting the crossing this year.
Italy, one of the countries significantly affected by the migration crisis, has taken steps to address the situation. In September 2023, the right-wing government implemented measures allowing for the detention of migrants for up to 18 months and approved the establishment of new detention centers.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
